Slate Lake
About Slate Lake
Slate Lake is a 293-acre lake near Isabella in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Slate Lake
- 293 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Isabella
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 293 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 293 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Slate Lake
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Nearby Lakes
East Chub Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella63 acres
0.9 miles away
Dunnigan Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella81 acres
1.1 miles away
West Chub Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella115 acres
1.3 miles away
Deep Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella147 acres
1.9 miles away
Two Deer Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Isabella45 acres
2.4 miles away
Campers Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Happy Wanderer48 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Slate Lake?
Slate Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Isabella. It covers 293 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Slate Lake?
Slate Lake covers 293 acres with about 8.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Slate Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Slate Lake?
Yes. Slate Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Slate Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Slate Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Slate Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Slate Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.